MLB Rumors: Latest on Jake Peavy, Chase Headley and More Early Buzz

Even though the trade deadline is still over two months away, teams are starting to get a feel of where they stand after playing about 30 games this season.

This is always a balancing act for general managers.

Moving a player now means a guaranteed return without having to worry about poor play or injury leading up to the deadline. On the flip side, the value might increase down the line, especially if multiple teams are interested.

With that in mind, let's check out some of the latest trade talk from around the league. Even if these players aren't moved in the immediate future, they are names to keep in mind when the deadline rolls around at the end of July.

Jake Peavy

Peavy always possessed the stuff necessary to lead a rotation. This is evident by the fact he's struck out nearly a batter per inning throughout his career.

But injuries have held him back. Last season was the first time since 2007 that he topped 30 starts.

Yet Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports that even a recent injury setback won't deter teams from going after Peavy. A general manager he spoke with mentioned the Baltimore Orioles as a potential fit.

The Chicago White Sox are off to a slow start, which could help fan the flames on the Peavy talk. There's no doubt he could be a massive addition to a borderline contender's rotation, but the injury history means he always comes with a risk.

Chase Headley

Headley had a monster second half in 2012. He hit .308 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI over the final 75 games. Those numbers were among the best in baseball and one of the few bright spots for the San Diego Padres.

Now the team is being forced to make a tough decision with its star third baseman.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports the hopes of keeping him in San Diego for the long haul are fading. He believes the chances of moving him are high.

"Chase Headley is gone," Rosenthal said, "and probably gone by the July 31 non-waiver deadline."

The Padres would obviously love to find a way to keep their budding star. That said, they also can't afford to lose him without getting something significant (more than a draft pick) in return.

If Rosenthal is right in predicting he'll be on the block, there should be plenty of interested teams.

Lucas Harrell

As expected, the Houston Astros are struggling in their first season in the American League. They are going through a rebuilding process that's going to take some time, which also means they should be selling between now and the deadline.

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, Harrell is one player on the radar of other teams. Stark says teams prefer him to Bud Norris because he remains under team control for a couple extra years.

He's off to a slow start (as are most of the Astros players) with a 5.03 ERA in seven starts. But he's coming off a breakout season which saw him post a 3.76 ERA in his first full campaign.

Teams seeking a solid arm for the back end of their rotation would benefit from picking him up.